Do Siamese Cats Purr – Vocalizations, Behavior, & More!

Many cat owners hear that taking care of a Siamese isn’t quite like taking care of other breeds of cats.  From their vocal characteristics down to how affectionate they can be, they are definitely an interesting cat. One of the first questions we asked ourselves was, do Siamese cats purr? 

Siamese cats do purr. Purring is one of the many vocalizations you can expect when your cat is trying to communicate with you. A happy Siamese cat will likely purr often, though every cat is a little different. 

Siamese cats are one of the gorgeous breeds out there. Siamese cats are some of the most popular options for cat owners looking for a well-bred and cared for cat. After all, almost nothing is as comforting as cuddling with a purring contented car. So, we looked into it, and there is some good news when it comes to Siamese cats purring! 

What Does it Mean When a Cat is Purring

Purring is a pretty complicated form of communication from your cat. There are many reasons they might start purring, so it’s essential to pay attention to the situation when your cat starts purring.  

One of the most common reasons for a domestic cat to start purring is that they are content or happy, and often because they are receiving attention. Your Siamese cat may purr when you’re petting them, for instance, because they’re so glad you’re paying attention to them. 

Siamese cats and other breeds of cats may also purr when they are happy, even if you aren’t paying attention to them. We’ve caught our cats purring in their cat-beds plenty of time, just because they enjoy the warmth and comfort of their beds! 

However, cat purring isn’t always about being happy. Sometimes cats purr to express other emotions. 

For instance, a lonely cat might start purring and following you to try and attract your attention. An anxious cat might start purring as a way to soothe themselves and everyone around them until they feel more comfortable/confident again. 

The last reason cats purr can be somewhat confusing. Some cats will purr when they are hurt or injured. In this case, purring is probably a way of self-soothing, but it’s also their way to ask for the care and attention of other cats, as well as any nearby humans.

Since cats use purring to communicate so much, it’s essential to pay attention to how your cat purrs to get a better sense of why they are purring at any moment. Pay special attention if your cat seems to be purring in an unusual situation for them. They may be trying to tell you something. 

It’s important to remember that a purring cat is usually a happy cat or a cat asking for attention. But knowing that it can also be a sign of something wrong gives you just one more window into your Siamese cat’s behavior. 

Do Cats Choose To Purr

Yes! And no. The truth is that cats mostly choose to purr voluntarily. But a sleeping cat may start purring without realizing it, and a scared, anxious, or hurting cat may not be able to control their urge to purr entirely. 

For the most part, though, purring is something your cat does when they want to. Think of purring as being like a change in tone of voice. It’s usually just as intentional as meowing. Still, just like you can use a different tone of voice on accident, your cat may sometimes purr unintentionally or in a strange situation. 

Do Cats Purr When They are Alone

You’re not alone if you wonder whether your cat’s purr only for you or if they also purr when they are alone. 

Fortunately, cats can and do purr when they are alone, but it isn’t universal, and most cats won’t start purring merely because they are alone. Happy cats may purr because they are comfortable and content.  

If you have a multiact home, they may also purr at one another when you are away, especially if your cats are comfortable enough to cuddle or groom one another. 

Do Cats Purr When They Breathe

Purring and breathing are two different things for cats, even though they might seem connected. In the wild, cats do purr, but only on their exhale. Domesticated cats, who are generally more vocal, purr on both their inhale, and their exhale. 

Purring is the result of twitching a muscle as they breathe, but it doesn’t interfere with breathing itself. 

That way, your cats can comfortably breathe and purr at the same time!

Are There Cats That Don’t Purr

Some cats don’t purr, like some people don’t use certain vocal forms of expression.

For the most part, all domestic cats can purr unless they’ve had an injury that affects their vocal cords (which is where purring happens). However, not all breeds of cat can purr. 

Don’t worry; we’re not talking about your fuzzy companions. We’re talking about their much bigger cousins. 

That’s right, many of the big cats can’t purr. That’s because their vocal apparatus is set up differently, allowing them to roar instead. For the most part, if a cat can’t roar, it can purr, and if a cat can’t purr, it can roar. 

Is It Normal For A Cat To Never Purr

Some cats don’t like to purr, so it’s perfectly normal if your cat doesn’t purr or doesn’t purr often. Not purring doesn’t necessarily mean that your cat isn’t happy. Look for other signs that your cat is enjoying their life, like frequent napping, laying with their belly exposed, closing their eyes and slow-blinking while they are awake, and general playfulness and interaction. 

Generally, if your cat follows you around sometimes, asks for your attention, and plays and naps frequently, you have a happy cat even if they don’t purr. 

Why is My Siamese Cat So Vocal

Siamese cats can spend a lot of time talking, and that’s a good thing! Most of the time, anyway. Siamese cats are a naturally vocal breed and love talking and interacting with the world vocally. 

That’s partially because Siamese cats are an older breed with a longer history of being human companion animals than many other domesticated cats. Siamese cats are thought to be descended from some of the first companion animal cats that were primarily companion animals, not working animals.  

All domesticated cats are more vocal and differently vocal than wild cats. Meowing, for instance, is a vocalization that adult wild cats don’t use, only kittens. But domesticated cats choose to meow their whole lives because their human companions can hear and respond to meows, but not their other vocalizations.  

Since Siamese cats have been companion animals longer, it’s possible that their ancestors were chosen to be the most talkative and friendly animals in a group, which means that we’ve been breeding them to be vocal and expressive. They know we love them talking to us, so they do it often.

Do Siamese Cats Like To Be Held

Yep! Most Siamese cats like being held and like having their owners pay attention to them, just like most Siamese cats are very vocal creatures. The reasons are mostly the same as well. Cats, like receiving human affection, being held, pet, cuddled, and talked to, make better pets for many people. 

These traits make cats seem more friendly; centuries of Siamese breeding selected for those traits, creating a more social and loving companion in modern Siamese cats. 

Do Siamese Cats Love Their Owners

Absolutely! Siamese cats are one of the most loving breeds of cats out there. They love forming a tight bond with their owners and chosen people, and they aren’t shy about showing it. 

Siamese cat’s need for attention is a sign of the close bonds they form with their people and a definite sign of love and affection from our feline friends!

Don’t worry, though; even less affectionate breeds of cats still love their owners; they show their affection a little differently. It’s mostly a myth that cats don’t love people or don’t bond with people. Cats do love, and they love lots; they’re just a little more independent than some of the other pets out there.